Discover Arlington

A vibrant mix of urban and suburban living, Arlington attracts residents with its diverse dining, arts scene, and proximity to Cambridge and Boston.

Menotomy Indian Hunter statue in Arlington MA

Discover Arlington: Where Urban Meets Suburban Excellence

Located just 6 miles northwest of Boston, Arlington represents the perfect fusion of urban convenience and suburban charm. This vibrant community has evolved from a quiet farming town into one of Massachusetts’ most desirable family destinations, offering an exceptional quality of life with easy access to Boston and Cambridge.

🎭 Cultural Hub: Arts, Entertainment & Community

Arlington’s rich cultural scene makes it a magnet for families who appreciate the arts and community engagement:

Historic Capitol Theatre

  • Restored 1920s movie palace with modern amenities
  • Independent films and classic cinema
  • Live performances and community events
  • Family-friendly programming year-round

Robbins Library

  • State-of-the-art facility with extensive collections
  • Children’s programs including story times and reading clubs
  • Technology resources and maker spaces
  • Community meeting rooms for local groups

Public Art & Murals

  • Arlington Public Art installations throughout town
  • Menotomy Indian Hunter statue by Cyrus E. Dallin
  • Community murals celebrating local history
  • Art walks and cultural festivals

🏫 Educational Excellence: Nurturing Young Minds

Arlington’s public school system is renowned for its academic rigor and innovative programs:

Elementary Schools

  • Brackett Elementary - Grades K-5 with focus on STEM
  • Bishop Elementary - Strong arts and music programs
  • Dallin Elementary - Emphasis on community service
  • Hardy Elementary - Innovative learning approaches
  • Peirce Elementary - Multicultural education focus
  • Thompson Elementary - Technology integration

Middle & High School

  • Ottoson Middle School - Grades 6-8 with comprehensive programs
  • Arlington High School - College preparatory excellence
  • Minuteman High School - Career and technical education

Special Programs

  • Arlington Public Schools consistently rank in top 20% statewide
  • Advanced Placement and honors courses
  • Extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and arts
  • Strong parent-teacher partnerships

🏡 Diverse Housing: Something for Every Family

Arlington’s housing market offers remarkable diversity to suit various family needs and budgets:

Historic Homes

  • Victorian and Colonial properties in established neighborhoods
  • Craftsman-style homes with period details
  • Multi-family properties for extended families
  • Renovated classics with modern amenities

Contemporary Options

  • New construction condominiums and townhomes
  • Luxury apartments with resort-style amenities
  • Mixed-use developments combining living and retail
  • Accessible housing options for all ages
  • Arlington Heights - Elevated properties with city views
  • East Arlington - Walkable to Cambridge and Red Line
  • Arlington Center - Historic downtown charm
  • West Arlington - Family-friendly residential areas

🍽️ Culinary Paradise: Global Flavors Close to Home

Arlington’s dining scene rivals Boston’s best, offering families incredible culinary diversity:

International Cuisine

  • Tryst - Upscale American cuisine with seasonal menus and craft cocktails
  • Za Arlington - Artisan pizza and Italian specialties in Arlington Center
  • Szechuan’s Dumpling - Authentic Chinese dumplings and Szechuan cuisine
  • Tango - Argentine steakhouse with live music and dancing
  • La Posada - Family-owned Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors

Local Favorites

  • Kickstand Cafe - Popular coffee shop and community gathering spot
  • Not Your Average Joe’s - Family-friendly American cuisine with creative menu
  • Menotomy Beer & Wine - Craft beer and wine shop with tastings
  • Arlington Books - Independent bookstore with author events and book clubs
  • Artbeat - Creative supplies store with art classes for all ages
  • Arlington Hardware - Family-owned hardware store since 1923
  • Robbins Library - State-of-the-art public library with extensive programs
  • Arlington Capitol Theatre - Historic movie theater with independent films

Food Culture

  • Arlington Farmers Market - Fresh local produce every Wednesday (June-October) at Arlington Center
  • Arlington EATS - Food truck festivals and culinary events throughout the year
  • Arlington International Film Festival - Annual celebration of international cinema (November)
  • Arlington Porchfest - Free music festival on residential porches (May)
  • Arlington Town Day - Annual community celebration with food vendors and activities (September)
  • Arlington Restaurant Week - Special dining events and promotions (March)

🌳 Green Spaces: Natural Beauty in the City

Arlington’s extensive park system provides families with abundant outdoor recreation:

Major Parks

  • Robbins Farm Park - Spectacular Boston skyline views
  • Menotomy Rocks Park - Hiking trails and natural beauty
  • Spy Pond Park - Waterfront activities and fishing
  • Arlington Reservoir - Swimming, boating, and picnicking

Recreation Facilities

  • Arlington Boys & Girls Club - Youth programs and activities
  • Arlington Recreation Department - Sports leagues and classes
  • Bike paths connecting to Minuteman Bikeway
  • Tennis courts and playgrounds throughout town

Conservation Areas

  • Arlington Land Trust preserves natural spaces
  • Walking trails through scenic woodlands
  • Wildlife observation opportunities
  • Environmental education programs

🚇 Prime Location: Connected to Everything

Arlington’s strategic location provides families with unparalleled access:

Public Transportation

  • Red Line MBTA - Direct access to Harvard Square and Boston
  • Bus routes serving all major destinations
  • Commuter rail connections to surrounding communities
  • Bike-friendly infrastructure with dedicated lanes

Highway Access

  • Route 2 - Direct connection to Boston and western suburbs
  • Interstate 95 - Easy access to North Shore and beyond
  • Massachusetts Avenue - Historic route through Cambridge
  • Minuteman Bikeway - 11-mile paved trail system

Proximity to Major Destinations

  • Boston - 6 miles (museums, sports, culture)
  • Cambridge - 3 miles (Harvard, MIT, innovation)
  • Somerville - Adjacent (dining, entertainment)
  • Medford - 2 miles (Tufts University, shopping)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Community: Strong Bonds

Arlington’s tight-knit community makes it an ideal place to raise a family:

Safety & Security

  • Low crime rates and excellent police services
  • Neighborhood watch programs and community policing
  • Emergency response with quick response times
  • Safe walking and biking throughout town

Family Activities

  • Youth sports leagues - Baseball, soccer, basketball, swimming
  • Scouting programs - Active Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops
  • Music and arts - Community theater, youth orchestras
  • Library programs - Educational events for all ages

Healthcare & Wellness

  • Mount Auburn Hospital - Full-service medical facility
  • Primary care physicians and specialists throughout town
  • Mental health services and family counseling
  • Fitness centers and wellness programs

📊 Why Families Choose Arlington

Educational Excellence

  • Top-ranked public schools with innovative programs
  • High college acceptance rates to prestigious universities
  • Strong parent involvement in education
  • Extensive extracurricular and enrichment programs

Quality of Life

  • Cultural diversity and inclusive community
  • Excellent dining and entertainment options
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor recreation
  • Strong sense of community and neighborly spirit

Investment Value

  • Stable property values with consistent appreciation
  • High demand from families and professionals
  • Limited inventory maintains market strength
  • Excellent resale potential and rental opportunities

🎯 Is Arlington Right for Your Family?

Arlington appeals to families who value:

  • Cultural diversity and artistic expression
  • Educational excellence with innovative approaches
  • Urban convenience with suburban tranquility
  • Strong community connections and involvement
  • Culinary adventures and global experiences
  • Easy access to Boston and Cambridge

Whether you’re a young family starting your journey, professionals seeking work-life balance, or empty nesters wanting to stay connected to culture and community, Arlington offers the perfect blend of urban sophistication and suburban comfort.


Ready to discover your perfect home in Arlington? Contact us today to explore available properties and experience the vibrant culture of this exceptional community.

By Guillaume Sueur